Inmer Hernandez

The committee reviewed the 2026 operating budget, including service hours, funding sources, and rate adjustments for fixed routes and paratransit. The 2026 capital plan was presented, highlighting major projects such as bus procurement, depot construction, and system-wide facility renovations. The committee also examined the Q4 2025 performance scorecard and proposed service updates for 2026, including system-wide time point adjustments and pilot program extensions. Additionally, the meeting covered weather response strategies for snow removal and emergency service dispatch.

The agenda included organizational matters such as the introduction of members and an update from NICE regarding service updates and fixed route on-time performance metrics. Additionally, the committee scheduled a review of call center statistics and service reports, followed by a period for committee member comments.

The meeting focused on performance review for November and December 2025. Key discussions included Fixed Route performance metrics for 2025 (91% achievement against a 95% goal), the January 4th launch of the Omni ticketing system (not yet used for Able Ride) and associated fare increase to $3.00. A winter schedule effective February 1st was noted. The holiday bus service at CP Nassau involved over 130 students. Call Center statistics for November (85% answer rate) and December (91% answer rate) were presented. Able Ride On-Time Performance (OTP) was 85% in November and 83% in December, with overall 2025 OTP at 83.2%. The current driver count is 98, down from 100 in October, with three new drivers in training. The implementation of AI for ETA provision in November was also discussed.

The meeting addressed operational statistics, noting that ridership returned to approximately 62 percent of pre-pandemic levels, with LIRR ridership being surpassed by Able Ride, and regional performance lagging in Westchester and Suffolk. The goal is to reach 70 percent ridership by the end of the year. Full service levels are currently being maintained. Budget season is set to conclude in April, with expectations that funding will be restored, though no funding increases are anticipated for the next 24 months. An employee fundraiser, Island Harvest, is planned to support families in need. Service performance metrics for October were reviewed, showing an average wait time of 10 seconds and 96.62 percent of calls answered. No-show rates stabilized at 2 percent, consistent with pre-COVID levels, with most current riders utilizing essential trips. The initiation of a new class is expected to improve on-time performance.

The committee held an evening session which included public hearings. The CEO of NICE Transportation presented an overview of the current funding situation and the budget outlook for 2017, projecting a $12 million gap based on anticipated expenses and revenue drops. The presentation emphasized that NICE Bus has been more efficient than previous operators, saving the county significant amounts, but current funding limitations necessitate service adjustments. The committee discussed the need to potentially eliminate nine poorly performing routes in January to start closing the gap, and the possibility of deeper cuts and fare increases later in the year if revenue relief is not secured. Public comments strongly opposed the proposed service cuts, citing negative impacts on residents reliant on this essential service, and advocated for the county to find alternative funding sources instead of reducing service.